FROM

ACTION

In Ridgeland, Wisconsin this February, an event called Pioneer Days will
feature a “chicken toss” during which over 200 live chickens will be tossed,
one by one, into a crowd of attendees. Each person (adult or child) who
catches a chicken gets to keep the chicken.

The sheriff's office says the event will still happen, but they will make
sure the chickens don't get hurt. We know that's not likely - if they aren't
physically hurt, they will be terrified getting thrown from a roof. They
avoid talking about the 'pig chase'. They need to hear from us again.

INFORMATION

This event, which takes place outdoors in the middle of cold Wisconsin
winter, is horribly cruel to the chickens and teaches children that animals
are no more than objects, such as a ball. Furthermore, there is a huge
concern about what will happen to the chickens who now must go home with
someone who most likely has no proper shelter for her.

Wisconsin Crimes Against Animals statute 951.02 states that “no person may
treat any animal, whether belonging to the person or another, in a cruel
manner”.

As if this isn’t bad enough, during the same event pigs are frightened and
chased by large groups of children. Another example of the meanness of this
event.

United Poultry Concerns is joining Wisconsin-based Alliance for Animals
in urging the village of Ridgeland, Wisconsin to cancel their February
“Chicken Toss” due to its cruelty to defenseless birds in frigid
temperatures.

The “chicken toss” consists of throwing chickens, one or two at a time, up
in the air from a tavern roof. Crowds scramble to grab the birds as they
fall to the ground. The chickens are huddled freezing and fearful together
in crates and bags awaiting their mistreatment by villagers who consider
this animal abuse fun.

There is no similarity between a chicken being pulled from a container and
thrown roughly up in the air from a roof, and a chicken fluttering to the
ground voluntarily from a perch.

In addition to the physically cruel conditions is the heartless attitude
toward the birds.

“Chickens are very intelligent, sensitive creatures,” says Karen Davis,
President of United Poultry Concerns. “They know they are in an atmosphere
of meanness and hurtfulness from which they cannot defend themselves.”

It’s time for Ridgeland to quit this cruel, moronic entertainment. They
shame themselves by acting like village idiots, abusing helpless animals for
fun, and teaching their children to be vicious bullies.

For information, contact Karen Davis, United Poultry Concerns at
757-678-7875 or [email protected]

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